Tag Archives: advanced review

Husk

Posted on August 16, 2025 by smellincoffee

A plague has destroyed much of human civilization, but in Texas, at least, there is a remainder. Before the plague and subsequent collapse, pioneering scientists had created a way for human consciousness to be transferred to a digital world — … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews, science fiction | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

SHELLI: MurderMind

Posted on June 13, 2025 by smellincoffee

One of my favorite reads of 2024 was SHELLI, a SF mystery featuring a pair of detectives — one human, one synthetic — who investigated crimes relating to sythentic lifeforms, i.e. androids. Jake and Shelli are back in MurderMind, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews, science fiction | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Sword Brethren

Posted on January 7, 2025 by smellincoffee

Richard Fitz Simmons is a young lad who has just lost everything. After he narrowly defends himself against some highwaymen he arrives home to find that his father has accidentally died in a hunting accident and his uncle is taking … Continue reading →

Posted in historical fiction, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Lawless Republic

Posted on July 11, 2024 by smellincoffee

Oh, the times! Oh, the morals! Marcus Tullius Cicero began his legal practice and subsequent political career in tempestuous times: the Roman Republic was actively failing, critically hit during the civil wars between Marius and Sulla, attempting to salvage itself … Continue reading →

Posted in history, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Plan 9 from Outer Space: Ed Woods attacks!

Posted on May 21, 2024 by smellincoffee

I love watching strange science fiction movies from the fifties and sixties, especially the B+ movies with outlandish costuming, strange set design, and bizarre characters. Ed Woods’ Plan 9 from Outer Space delivered all those in spades, along with genre … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews, science fiction | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

The Rise and Fall of the Bible

Posted on January 23, 2011 by smellincoffee

The Rise and Fall of the Bible: The Unexpected History of an Accidental Book© 2011 Timothy Beal225 pages, not including index. Disclaimer: I read from an advanced review copy of the book, available through NetGalleys. No compensation for a review, … Continue reading →

Posted in history, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Sex on Six Legs

Posted on January 20, 2011 by smellincoffee

Sex on Six Legs: Lessons on Life,  Love, and Language from the Insect World© 2011 Marlene Zuk246 pages, not including index. Disclaimer:   I read from an advanced review copy of the book, available through NetGalleys. No compensation for a … Continue reading →

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To End All Wars

Posted on January 14, 2011 by smellincoffee

To End All Wars: A Story of Loyalty and Rebellion, 1914-1918© 2011 Adam Hochschild480 pages Disclaimer:   I read from an advanced review copy of the book, available through NetGalleys. No compensation for a review, good or negative, was offered … Continue reading →

Posted in history, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments